Commems Collection Modern: What If? 1995 FDR Silver Dollar

To support the Franlin Delano Roosevelt ("FDR") Memorial in Washington, DC, the United States ("US") Mint struck a Gold Half Eagle in 1997 (Proof and Uncirculated versions); (you can read about it here: 1997 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Half Eagle.)

But such was not the first coin proposed...silver coins were the first type to be proposed.

Hamilton Fish, Jr. (R-NY) introduced a bill in October 1993 (103rd Congress) that called for Silver Dollars (up to 500,000) to be struck "in commemoration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the death of President Roosevelt." The Silver Dollars were to be dated "1995" (Roosevelt died April 12, 1945).

While introducing the bill in the House of Representatives ("House"), Representative Fish stated:

"The FDR Memorial is not a new project. Congress created the FDR Memorial Commission in 1955 to plan and construct a memorial to our only 4-term President. The American people feel a deep debt of gratitude to President Roosevelt for his leadership in America's struggle for peace, well-being and human dignity. Because of its unique design, the FDR Memorial is not only a tribute to the life and work of the man, but more importantly, it will serve as a vivid reminder of the Great Depression and our fight for freedom in World War II. As our country commemorates WW II, it is appropriate that we honor the man who was our Commander in Chief during the time Americans fought against tyranny and defended democracy throughout the world. "

Representative Fish included an informative Roosevelt coin backgrounder and Roosevelt biography in the bill's "Findings" section:

"The Congress finds that--

"(1) the people of the United States feel a deep debt of gratitude to Franklin Delano Roosevelt for his leadership in America's struggle for peace, well-being, and human dignity;

"(2) the year 1995 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who died April 12, 1945, in Warm Springs, Georgia;

"(3) Franklin Delano Roosevelt served his country as the 32d President from 1932 until his death in 1945. He is the only United States President elected to four terms in office;

"(4) Franklin Delano Roosevelt served the State of New York as Governor from 1928 through 1932;

"(5) Franklin Delano Roosevelt served his country as the United States Assistant Secretary of the Navy from 1913 through 1920;

"(6) Franklin Delano Roosevelt piloted the American people through the economic chaos of the Great Depression;

"(7) Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as our commander in chief, led the American people through the turmoil of World War II;

"(8) Franklin Delano Roosevelt established Social Security, thus providing all Americans with a more abundant and secure life;

"(9) Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the author of ``The Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear'';

"(10) Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the founder of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, parent organization of the March of Dimes; and

"(11) Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the chief architect of the United Nations."

Even if just the "highlights," it's an impressive list of accomplishments IMO.

The coin's design was to "bear a likeness of Franklin Delano Roosevelt" with the Secretary of the Treasury selecting the final design after consultation with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission.

The Issue Price of each Silver Dollar was to include a surcharge of $10. The collected surcharges were to be distributed based on a split model:

- 50 percent of the total surcharges were to be paid to the National Park Foundation Restricted Account for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

- 50 percent of the total surcharges were to be paid ro the National Park Service Restricted Construction Account for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Bottom line, 100% of collected surcharges were to be used to support the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial whether its construction, finishing or maintenance. A program sell-out would have generated $5 million in surcharge funds.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, with a further referral to its Subcommittee on Consumer Credit and Insurance. It was never reported out of Committee.

A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) in October 1993 as well (103rd Congress). Upon its introduction, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs - it also stalled in Committee.

0 for 2 on the FDR Silver Dollar front!


For the next step in the Roosevelt coin's journey, see What If? 1997 FDR Silver Half Dollar


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more What If? stories, see: Commems Collection